 Originally planned as a patrol craft escort (PCE-879), she was laid down on 27 May 1943 by the Albina Engine & Machine Works of Portland, Oregon; launched 30 September 1943; reclassified YDG-9 on 23 December 1943; and commissioned 10 July 1944.Following shakedown and training out of San Pedro, California, "YDG-9" continued operations on the west coast, first for the 11th Naval District and then as a unit of ServRon 8.Later assigned to SevRon 6 to service, in close proximity, the striking forces as they moved closer to Japan, she established and operated degaussing ranges and provided facilities for inspection, calibration, and adjustment of shipboard degaussing equipment in forward areas, primarily for minesweepers.